Mummified Dinosaur

CNN posted an article on a mummified dinosaur found in North Dakota in 2004. The dinosaur, an Edmontosaurus (duck-billed dinosaur), was unearthed in 2004 and originally discovered by Tyler Lyson. Lyson is a 25 year old doctoral paleontology student at Yale University and discovered the specimen on his uncle’s ranch in 1999.

Researchers have used the world’s largest CT scanner, operated by the Boeing Co. in California and used to examine space shuttle parts, to get a better look at what is encased in the rumpled mass of sandstone.

“This is the fourth dinosaur mummy that’s ever been found in the world of any significance,” said Stephen Begin, a Michigan consultant on the project. “It may turn out to be one of the best mummies, because of the quality of the skin that we’re finding and the extent of the skin that’s on the specimen.”

Dakota was moved to the museum early last month and is currently surrounded by precariously perched desk lamps and a machine to suck up dust. State paleontologist John Hoganson, of the North Dakota Geological Survey, said it will take a year, maybe more, to uncover it.